Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

‘Mama May I?’: A Comprehensive Guide To Inform Occupational Therapy Practitioners For The Wellness Of Black Pregnant Women, Tavia Williams, Angela Blackwell, Aminee Alexander

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Black women are facing a decline in well-being because health providers do not understand how pregnancy impacts them differently than other race in the United States. This population is dying at a rate 3-4 more times than white, Asian, and Hispanic women. These deaths are preventable as many stem from racism and bias in medicine (Markin & Coleman, 2023). Historically, occupational therapists have not been included in the care of pregnant women due to the exclusive team of obstetric providers, doulas, and midwives (Rost et al., 2023). Because the United States primarily utilizes the medical model for perinatal healthcare, pregnant …

Developing Healthy Routines In Adults With Serious Mental Illness Living In Supportive Housing: A Caregiver Guidebook, Mckenna Kuhlman, Angela Blackwell, Lacey Spark

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Serious mental illness (SMI) are mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders that result in serious functional impairment limiting daily participation in activities. (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], n.d.-a). Adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) often experience unhealthy or maladaptive routines and often lack the support to build these routines. Supportive housing provides a stable home for adults with SMI to build healthy routines while receiving specialized treatments. In supportive housing organizations, there is a need for caregiver resources to support the individual's healthy routine obtainment. This capstone project developed a five-step caregiver guidebook to help adults with SMI build …

Occupational Harmony In Night Shift Nurses Since 2020, Janelle J. Magpayo, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explores the experiences of night shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these experiences impact their occupational harmony. Using a mixed-methods approach including online surveys and interviews, this study identifies themes such as the importance of rest and sleep, the impact of the pandemic on occupational well-being, and the significance of leisure activities. The findings emphasize the need for nurses to balance various aspects of their lives to enhance their well-being within their environments.

Integrating Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In Traditional Clinical Settings: Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, Renee Duong, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic situations that a child may face during the early developmental stages of life (Felitti et al., 1998). According to research, the detrimental effects of adversity and emotional distress may contribute to poor outcomes in adulthood. Research has shown that exposure to adversity can change a child's molecular and genetic system and influence the development and functioning of their neurological, immune, and endocrine systems. There is a significant public health concern considering the long-term implications of adverse childhood experiences on an individual's overall well-being (Boullier & Blair, 2018). This project aims to conduct a …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome Through An Employment Program, Jenny Rossopoulos, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents the implementation of an existing employment program, EmployAble to a new group of individuals with Down syndrome. The presentation outlines the methods, program design, and curriculum. Additionally, this capstone project aims to explore the support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the education of employers regarding inclusive employment practices.

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

Effects Of Peer Mentoring On Success And Satisfaction In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Fraley

Honors Theses

Studying the impact of a mentorship program involving undergraduate nursing students can inform educators of methods to increase student success and decrease attrition in baccalaureate nursing programs. This study aimed to determine if a mentoring session every three weeks between a first semester Bronson School of Nursing (BSON) student and a senior year nursing student increased the confidence and satisfaction of the first semester BSON student. A Student Success Survey (see Appendix A) was filled out at the beginning, middle and conclusion of the mentee students fall semester. The Student Success Survey was also administered to a control group made …

Bone Canonical Wnt Signaling Is Downregulated In Type 2 Diabetes And Associates With Higher Advanced Glycation End-Products (Ages) Content And Reduced Bone Strength, Giulia Leanza, Alec T Beeve, Erica L Scheller, Simon Y Tang, Roberto Civitelli, Nicola Napoli, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with higher fracture risk, despite normal or high bone mineral density. We reported that bone formation genes (

We Can Walk Together: Motivational Interviewing In Helping Professions, Nathan E. Purdue

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Psychotherapists and researchers alike reasonably express ambivalence in the extant literature concerning its effectiveness. On one hand, psychotherapists can feel relief that the more than 500 theoretical paradigms that exist are statistically effective in their treatment. On the other hand, research consistently indicates that the existence of evidence-based treatments have not decreased the prevalence of common psychological problems such as major depressive disorder. Barriers to treatment abound, and motivation/adherence to treatment protocols may be a difficult process for a patient suffering through a psychosocial quandary. Additionally, psychological disorders inherently have perpetuating behaviors that may impede or attenuate treatment progress. Motivational …

Implementing A Depression Screening Protocol In Primary Care To Improve Utilization Rates: A Quality Improvement Project, Stella Lemel

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Depression is a widespread and debilitating mental health condition that is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in primary care settings. The importance of early detection and intervention for depression in preventing adverse outcomes and improving patient well-being is not consistently recognized. This DNP project addresses this gap by implementing a standardized depression screening protocol in primary care.

Purpose: This project aims to assess the achievability and efficiency of implementing a depression screening protocol in a primary care clinic to improve the identification and management of depression among patients.

Methods: Plan-Do-Study-Act. Plan: A depression screening protocol was developed …

Dnp Project Proposal: Toolkit For Transition Of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ya-Asd) To Primary Care, Dawn Boal

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Young adults (YA) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transitioning from pediatric to adult care may have more difficulty finding a primary care clinician trained to address their unique medical and mental health needs. Transition resources need to be developed to help these patients and their caregivers while they are still being cared for by their pediatrician.

Purpose: To develop an ASD resource toolkit with resources designed to help YA-ASD and their caregivers with the transition from pediatric care to adult primary care.

Methods: The Model for Healthcare Improvement guided this evidence-based quality improvement project. An evidence …

Discussing Menstrual Health In Family Medicine, Allison Casola, Alice Renaud, Ashwini Kamath Mulki

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Relationship Between College Students' Self-Reported Listening Habits With Apple Airpods Or Earbuds And Pure Tone Hearing Threshold Outcomes, Blake Roth, Maegan Koch, Aubree Warner, Annika Wallace, Romina Gehrts, Austin Drake

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the relationship between self-reported listening habits of college students and their auditory threshold screening outcomes. Survey data was collected in addition to the completion of basic audiometry screening procedures. Results indicated most participants listen to portable devices within safe ranges. While these results are encouraging, continued efforts should be made to educate users of portable listening devices on the negative effects of music-induced hearing loss.

Detecting The 2-Micron Plasmid In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Caitlin C. Allen, Eric T. Gillock

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This research is a continuation of work started by a previous student, Camryn Greving. Camryn was screening for the presence of the 2-micron plasmid using PCR primers specific for the REP2 gene, devised by Nakayashiki et al. In this research, we confirmed the presence of the plasmid by using primers specific for the RAF1 gene, which were designed by Strope et al.

Impact Of Exercise On Burnout Of Nursing Students, Kelly Foudray

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Background: An important topic as a nurse educator is how to provide nursing students with adequate self-care strategies to help prevent feelings of burnout. Burnout is an issue not only that affects healthcare workers, but also those who are studying to work in the medical field, for example nursing students. Nursing students experience high levels of stress due to the significant workload throughout nursing school. Nursing students also go through a rigorous curriculum that is often inflexible. Many nursing programs have a competitive atmosphere among classmates, and they are also preparing for the NCLEX examination. All these factors can …

Exploring The Prevalence Of Mental Illness And Mental Health Issues Amongst Adults Diagnosed With Type One Diabetes During Their Adolescence: A Nursing Perspective, Sara J. Taylor

Honors Capstones

While every individual experiences and copes with their illness in different fashions, it is important to equip everyone with resources they need for any direct or potential complications. Type One Diabetes is a chronic illness that is always ever changing. Treatment and care for it is constant and can cause burnout, frustration, increased stress, and many other mental health issues for the patient. If left untreated and poorly managed, these feelings can develop into far more serious complications such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, etc. While a cure for Type One Diabetes is not currently an option, providing preventative education …

Implementing A Skin Care Bundle On Hypoperfusion Skin: A Quality Improvement Project, Emily O'Connor

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Pressure injury rates have increased within the critical care population. Pressure injuries are known to increase pain, infection risk, length of stay leading to decreased quality of life. Thermal imaging cameras highlight areas of hypoperfusion, allowing staff to target these areas as high likelihood to progress to a pressure injury. Foam dressings have been shown to help decrease pressure injury acquisition. Prevention methods should utilize evidence-based skin care bundles and focus on known information and target areas. Combining knowledge from thermal cameras, foam dressings, turning every two hours and accurate use of documentation scale (Braden Scale), a …

Service-Learning Through Chapter Chats: A Personal Reflection, Charity B. Blalock, Maryse Azer, April Garrity

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning (Archived)

Eagle showcase:excellence in service learning

Mindfulness Through Biofeedback And Meditation Syllabus, Eric B. Miller

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Ot In Treating Ecmo Patients In The Icu: A Scoping Review, Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, Whitney Hohman

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After …

Values Of Occupational Balance And Harmony Among Bipoc Caregivers, Vanessa Duran, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background. Historically minoritized populations are underrepresented within hospice care. The lack of diversity among hospice care recipients impacts the development of culturally responsive programming within hospice care for BIPOC family caregivers.

Objective. To learn of the values and perspectives of BIPOC family caregivers in hospice care regarding occupational balance and occupational harmony.

Methods. A mixed-methods study that included an online survey and an optional interview. Measurements utilized were the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) and an anonymous survey. Three participants completed the online survey.

Results. Preliminary codes were determined by the student researcher from the online survey responses. Four …

Experiences Of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers, Kimberly Ben, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an insightful exploration into the lives of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers (WSCs), a group defined as individuals aged 30-65 who simultaneously provide care for both aging adults (over 65 years old) and younger dependents (29 years old or younger), while also managing their careers. The study delves deep into the unique challenges and experiences faced by WSCs, aiming to highlight the occupational, emotional, and physical demands inherent in their roles. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews and occupational therapy assessments, the manuscript offers a comprehensive look at the balancing act WSCs perform daily. It seeks to inform …

Social And Leisure Participation By People With Dementia: A Caregiver Resource Guide, Rebecca Mcmillian, Beth Lambert, Mary Smith, Katherine Christie

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this caregiver education intervention is to increase caregiver self-efficacy and effectiveness in increasing social participation and quality of life for those they are caring for as well as decreasing caregiver stress and burnout associated with providing care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The guide will include education and resources for these caregivers detailing safety precautions, strategies to reduce difficult behaviors impacting social and leisure engagement, and resources to decrease caregiver burden.

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …

Occupational Therapists' Perception Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Sleep In Pediatric Outpatient Settings, Carina Jimenez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone investigates pediatric occupational therapists' views on managing sleep issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It highlights gaps in education and resources and emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions. Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing occupational therapists' role in addressing sleep challenges for improved family well-being, advocating for more comprehensive education and support systems.

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Care For Caregivers: Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Caregiver Support, Mariah Mendez, Amy Lyons-Brown, Negin Zare

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Care for Caregivers explores the challenges of spousal and remote caregivers to determine how occupational therapy can assist through program development.

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Is Postnatal Acetaminophen Therapy Problematic For Preterm Infants?, Richard J. Martin, Anna Maria Hibbs

Faculty Scholarship

In this issue, Srajer et al. report on the neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–21 months of preterm infants treated with acetaminophen in the NICU.1 Their study shows no evidence of neurological harm from acetaminophen, after adjusting for known risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Temporal trends in both pain and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) management have led to an increase in acetaminophen use in the NICU in recent years, resulting in a crucial need for long-term safety data in this vulnerable population.